Fifty Plus (50+) - Dog Repellant..........

Never had a dog problem with the mtn.bike, but I'm relatively new to this road bike thing. And after having a dog try to catch me the other day, was wondering, what do you use for dog repellent. I own, and like dogs, so I don't want to harm them, just keep them from shredding an ankle or calf should one happen to be able to outrun me. Recommendations?

Pepper spray works. Just don't get it on your hands and then take your contacts out. Even after washing them. I've trained two dogs to stop chasing me with only two hits each.

Squirt water bottle in face (dogs') , smack on snout with pump, yell really loud and hope someone comes out of house.

When chased by a dog, I stop rather than try to outrun. The dog usually does too. In the unlikely event the dog is persistent, I give him a squirt in the face from a waterbottle which does the trick.

You ought to check the threads here. This topic arrises weekly. I've tried many things. If it's the same dog all or most of the time, you MUST deal with the owner,that's a stradegy. A tactic that may(works for me) work,along with others,is to dis-mount the bike. In so doing, you're disrupting the behavior, taking the "game away". The dog views you and the bike as a singular entity. You get off the bike, you beome a human, he may or may not respest. He will though, most likely. Besides a bike makes a good sheild. I've heard of Bear Repellant,it's long distance. Spraying Amonia or such is ********. It will bother YOU more than it's worth anyway. Mailmen have problems , THEY rarely use pepper spray and are at more risk than you are as a cyclist, they're the mailman, a universal enemy among dogs,an intruder, you and your bike are a game, see the difference ?

Little difference. Mailman gets attacked by dog, I get attacked by dog. Common thread, dog owner!

The reason that mail carriers and meter readers don't use the pepper sprays is that there is some liability to the employers. I work for a large utility company and our readers now use something that looks like an umbrella. The only thing that I'd use that for is to beat the darn dog. Or even better, the owners who don't restrain their dogs. There-- I even feel better!

The sprays do work-- a few times and the dogs will not be chasing you! (If that doesn't work, the ol' .357 never fails!!!) I know--- most of us would never do this, yet it makes one feel like it at times--- especially as a huge German Shepard sinks his 2 1/2 inch teeth into your thigh... ouch--- just thinking of it brings back memory pain!!!!!!

For dogs that just want to chase, a small signal horn works wonders ... like the Falcon AquaBlast or 911 products (http://www.falconsignalhorns.com/default.aspx?pageid=304) on this page. It straps to the bars, is fast to get at, and very easy to operate. They're available in the boating dept of many big box stores.

And for dogs not deterred by the signal horn, I carry a 2oz can of duty grade pepper spray (http://www.selfdefenseproducts.com/pepper/DPS/dps_duty.htm)attached to the handle bars.

It isn't just getting chased. I've been fortunate so far and that
hasn't been a big problem. My most recent issues have been
little old ladies on one side of a MUP with a dog _far_ off the other
side. The nearly invisible garroting lines that they call 'leads' are
generally low enough that they don't threaten me but that old lady
and that rodent (not big enough to be a dog) are apt to get hurt.

Most of the dogs that come out toward me while riding can be stopped verbally. Either by talking friendly or by firmly telling them to "STOP!" or by saying "NO!" or "BAD DOG!". If the owner is within earshot, I substitute "BAD OWNER!". When that doesn't work, a squirt in the face from a water bottle ususlly makes them stop. As a last resort if I can't stop the dog or outrun it, I get off the bike with the bike between me and the dog and move toward the dog using the bike as a shield until the dog goes away or until help arrives.

http://www.selfdefenseproducts.com/pepper/Fox/index.htm

I use this type and have it mounted with the bike holder.

http://www.selfdefenseproducts.com/spray_holders.htm

Scroll down to see the bike holder.

Al

When we were in Glacier National Park hiking my son had a can of bear spray that is supposed to stop them 15 feet away. Grisley bears that is, not some scrawney dog. Only drawback is the can weighs about 2 pounds.

It's an escalation thing. I'm a big fan of the "NO!" and "GO HOME!" technique. . .dunno' why but it is remarkably effective when uttered in a voice that reminds 'em that they "taste just like chicken". For repeat offenders I use household ammonia in a squeeze bottle. It denies 'em breath so they have a choice to make and follow the tenets of Maslow's Heirarchy every time. The drawback with ammonia is that you need to plan ahead; that's why I say "repeat offenders". One time does the trick tho', no repeat performances.

I don't see why freeranger is whining, it was me the dog was chasing. freeranger didn't have anything to worry about, as I would have made a very adequate meal for our canine nemesis.

I used to carry some pepper spray with me but I haven't lately. I'm changing my mind on that one.

The only good thing about the incident was that it served as an interval/sprint work-out. I think I went from 10 mph to about 35 in two seconds. Or at least it felt that way.

Dog shampoo seems to repel our dog. :D Alternatively, if you've got a trailer, hook up a car battery to an inverter and run a vacuum cleaner. :rolleyes: :) (Possibly only amusing to dog owners.)

Frame pump, works every time.

Frame pump, works every time.

I have to agree. If a dog is going to chase- It has to be stopped. Instant way to find out who the owner is, is to threaten the dog with violence- Then you can point out to the owner that their dog is in danger and not you. I am a dog lover but Sometines drastic action has to be taken.

Frame pump, works every time.

Have you ever seen what a frame pump does to spokes when a rider swings at a dog and misses? He ends up on the ground with a dog in his face and a destroyed wheel.

Similar problem with sprays. Even if you manage to get to the spray in time to spray it at the dog before the dog gets you, you are as likely to spray it into your own eyes as the dog's.

A few weeks ago I was out of town on business and had taken along my bike. Your worst nightmare....while ten miles out in the middle of nowhere......three pit bulls sleeping on the front porch of some red neck's house. I was even with them before they spotted me (keep the chain oiled). I had my "HALT" with me, but this was the first time I had ever used it. I hit two of the dogs with it and they immediately stopped.

The third dog wasn't much of a sprinter.

Have you ever seen what a frame pump does to spokes when a rider swings at a dog and misses? He ends up on the ground with a dog in his face and a destroyed wheel.

Similar problem with sprays. Even if you manage to get to the spray in time to spray it at the dog before the dog gets you, you are as likely to spray it into your own eyes as the dog's.
I hoping no one on this forum would even think to try those manuevers from a moving bicycle.

I was charged by a dog about a month ago. I dismounted and stood with the bike between me and the mutt. I didn't threaten it, I just stood there giving it the stink-eye. It stood there for awhile daring me to threaten it's territory. I started eating a Clifbar and acting like the whole thing was getting boring (which it was), and the dog yawned and trotted off.

I have to admit that it would have been more fun to mace the stupid cur down.

Have you ever seen what a frame pump does to spokes when a rider swings at a dog and misses? He ends up on the ground with a dog in his face and a destroyed wheel.

Similar problem with sprays. Even if you manage to get to the spray in time to spray it at the dog before the dog gets you, you are as likely to spray it into your own eyes as the dog's.

I've used pepper spray at least half a dozen times, and never had a problem getting it in my eyes.

Get the "stream", not the "fog" dispensers and you won't have problems with blowback unless there's a strong wind blowing.

When chased by a dog, I stop rather than try to outrun. The dog usually does too. In the unlikely event the dog is persistent, I give him a squirt in the face from a waterbottle which does the trick.

That won't work against aggressive dogs.

It also will definitely not work if there's more than one dog...and you don't always know if another dog is going to show up to join in the fun. With multiple dogs, they'll work together to outflank you...even using your bike as a shield is often ineffective.

Here's one of the better web pages I've seen for how to deal with dogs (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1gci&doc_id=194&v=w&term=pepper%20spray&context=all).

A few weeks ago I was out of town on business and had taken along my bike. Your worst nightmare....while ten miles out in the middle of nowhere......three pit bulls sleeping on the front porch of some red neck's house. I was even with them before they spotted me (keep the chain oiled). I had my "HALT" with me, but this was the first time I had ever used it. I hit two of the dogs with it and they immediately stopped.

The third dog wasn't much of a sprinter.

Get "cop strength" pepper spray. Unlike Halt!, it can also be used to stop the dog's owners (and, it works just fine on the dogs too). :D

Here's one of the better web pages I've seen for how to deal with dogs (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1gci&doc_id=194&v=w&term=pepper%20spray&context=all).
Good articles. No doubt about it, its pepper spray from now on. Plus it sounds like fun.

I must confess that my comments about sprays and pumps are only based on hearsay, not experience. I have never needed to resort to either method. I bought a can of Halt once, but I've never even carried it with me on a bike.

As someone who's lived around dogs and who trained seeing eye dogs for six years (it's really true), I came to learn that your voice and a well-aimed squirt of water will just about always get it done. However, if you waver at all in your confidence, the dog will know it; then maybe you'd better carry the pepper spray. (which is something I've never done).

BTW, the only dogs I get concerned about are the ones who don't bark. If they're making a silent beeline for your ankle, look out.

I agree with the Crazyguyonabike article about the potential downsides of swinging your pump.

Sadly, the real culprits aren't the dogs. They're the owners who are willing to allow their beloved pets to run into the road in the first place. Excuse me, now. I have to go scratch some fleas.

I must confess that my comments about sprays and pumps are only based on hearsay, not experience. I have never needed to resort to either method. I bought a can of Halt once, but I've never even carried it with me on a bike.

Same. Based on all the stories I hear, I think using a pepper blast is a bit premature and unnecessary in -most- cases. Not a bad idea to have handy for a bit of insurance. While some may think it a great sport to use this stuff, I would be more concerned about the pissed off dog owner watching his little fie-fie agonize in the grass. They ALL seem to think their pet is harmless and just happy to see us. :)

I won't be surprised if one day we are encouraged to bring more than tools to fix the bike but the essentials to protect ourselves against animal or human attack. I can see bullet proof jerseys will one day be standard cycling equipment. So far, I have been lucky and haven't been chased by a dog and wish to stay that way I hope.

I don't want to harm them, just keep them from shredding an ankle or calf should one happen to be able to outrun me. Recommendations?

Two words: "Dust Buster". I've never seen a dog that didn't run the other way as soon as I turned on the vacuum.

Have you ever seen what a frame pump does to spokes when a rider swings at a dog and misses? He ends up on the ground with a dog in his face and a destroyed wheel.

Similar problem with sprays. Even if you manage to get to the spray in time to spray it at the dog before the dog gets you, you are as likely to spray it into your own eyes as the dog's.

Dogs sprayed 10

Me sprayed by myself 0

How come no one seems to be resentful that a dog that is a real threat
(any distraction at >15 MPH is a threat) that interferes with your life.
Having the so-called solution of stopping and putting the bike between
you and the dog is somehow OK?? None of us would tolerate a human
doing that: Why is it OK for a dog?? Are they our moral superiors and
anything they do is OK?? I don't understand why it is OK to have parks
where one can't take children because of the dog crap. What power do
they have over us??

A few weeks ago I was out of town on business and had taken along my bike. Your worst nightmare....while ten miles out in the middle of nowhere......three pit bulls sleeping on the front porch of some red neck's house. I was even with them before they spotted me (keep the chain oiled). I had my "HALT" with me, but this was the first time I had ever used it. I hit two of the dogs with it and they immediately stopped.

The third dog wasn't much of a sprinter.
The trouble with hicks is:
Their wallet is on a chain,and their dawgs run wild.

How come no one seems to be resentful that a dog that is a real threat
(any distraction at >15 MPH is a threat) that interferes with your life.
Having the so-called solution of stopping and putting the bike between
you and the dog is somehow OK?? None of us would tolerate a human
doing that: Why is it OK for a dog?? Are they our moral superiors and
anything they do is OK?? I don't understand why it is OK to have parks
where one can't take children because of the dog crap. What power do
they have over us??

Did someone say it was OK?

Here's one of the better web pages I've seen for how to deal with dogs (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1gci&doc_id=194&v=w&term=pepper%20spray&context=all).

I noticed the fellow in your link thought he had more bad dog encounters in Kentucky followed by Missouri. We're number two! We're number two!

I love dogs too, a lot, we have an even dozen of them living on the place. I think I know and understand dogs better than most. That's why I use pepper spray on one that is trouble, based on the theory of better him than me to suffer pain and my knowledge of the way dogs think and act which includes their lack of the logical thinking process (they only learn from experience). Plus pepper spray wears off and doesn't come with stitches or a cast for the dog. I have to admit though, that I don't always have it with me. The other night I was wishing for it though for a moment, as there was a large pit cross standing in the road giving me the evil eye, happily I turned left at the fork that he was on the right of, and he stayed put.

Same. Based on all the stories I hear, I think using a pepper blast is a bit premature and unnecessary in -most- cases. Not a bad idea to have handy for a bit of insurance. While some may think it a great sport to use this stuff, I would be more concerned about the pissed off dog owner watching his little fie-fie agonize in the grass. They ALL seem to think their pet is harmless and just happy to see us. :)

I've sprayed dogs on at least half a dozen occasions with "full strength" pepper spray (i.e., not the watered down Halt! product).

Some were big, and some were small, but not one of them "agonized in the grass".

In all cases, they simply stopped chasing me (instantly). Sometimes they sniff and snort a bit, and once or twice I saw them rubbing their muzzles in the grass next to the road. But, I never heard any of them whine or whimper, or act in any other way like they were in undue pain (unlike the ones I've had to kick in the head).

And if the owners have a problem with it...tough! I've only sprayed dogs that were closing in on me with apparently malicious intent.

I love dogs, and have been around them all my life. I can read their intentions most of the time, and would never spray some big old Lab that just wanted to run alongside and have fun. But, if they're barking and coming in at me even after I yell "No!", they'll get the spray even if I could possibly outrun them...I figure it's a good form of "training" to let them know that cyclists can bite back.

Dogs are dumb creatures. They know their territory and will protect it, and they love to play. They might be doing either when they chase our bikes. They don't have any particular animosity towards us, they're just doing what dogs do. Inflicting pain upon them for doing what comes naturally, on what they consider their home turf, is just plain mean. 99% of the dogs I've ever encountered were left behind by rapid acceleration - I'm not fast, but 20mph for 30 seconds is usually sufficent. On the one occasion that a 'junk yard dog' really scared me, I gave him enough air horn to startle him, followed by HAULING ASS, and we both went on our merry way. I'd be far more afraid of the dog owner, irate because I just maced his precious puppy.

Share the road. That includes cars, bikes, dogs, walking catfish, panel trucks, skateboards, kitty cats, raccoons, turtles, supercool cattrikes and my crazy uncle Ned.

Just MHO.

Dogs are domesticated wolves. They have a prey drive. The ones with intact instincts chase for a purpose. They are far from dumb. Inflicting pain on them to teach them to leave me and other things in the road alone is potentially life saving for the dog.

Dogs are domesticated wolves. They have a prey drive. The ones with intact instincts chase for a purpose. They are far from dumb. Inflicting pain on them to teach them to leave me and other things in the road alone is potentially life saving for the dog.

+1.

Not to mention the fact that the next cyclist the dog encounters might be a 10 year old girl who can't do "20 mph for 30 seconds". :rolleyes:

I'd rather teach the dog that chasing cyclists has consequences.

As for the dog owners getting upset...that's one reason I carry "cop strength" pepper spray. I've never had to spray a human, but I've seen it done once by a cop on a huge belligerent drunk, and the effects were dramatic.

Understood. You would mace a creature following it's instincts rather than defuse the situation with flight or less painful alternatives. And your one time infliction of pain would permanently overcome the animals instincts. Well done.

Yelling "No" works more often than not. But when it doesn't, HALT (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=1151&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Show%20All%20Products) does the job, and it's more humane than pepper spray.

Yelling "No" works more often than not. But when it doesn't, HALT (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=1151&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Show%20All%20Products) does the job, and it's more humane than pepper spray.
OK, I'm back again, Halt, I'm getting it. Can't hurt to have a back-up, a plan B

Yelling "No" works more often than not. But when it doesn't, HALT (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=1151&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Show%20All%20Products) does the job, and it's more humane than pepper spray.

Halt is pepper spray...just watered down.

Do you have any links to show that it's more "humane" than regular pepper spray?

Personally, I like carrying something that I know will also work on 2-legged varmints.

Understood. You would mace a creature following it's instincts rather than defuse the situation with flight or less painful alternatives. And your one time infliction of pain would permanently overcome the animals instincts. Well done.

LOL - if you go hiking in Glacier National Park or Alaska, and a grizzly "following it's instincts" comes at you , I presume you'll just try to run away...good luck with that. :rolleyes:

And as I stated above, I don't think pepper spray (it's not "mace", BTW), inflicts any undue pain on the dog. Not one of the dogs I've sprayed has whimpered or whined, or acted like they were blinded or otherwise incapacitated. They simply stopped chasing me.

"Defusing the situation with flight" is not always possible...unlike in flat Florida, some of my dog encounters are when I'm going up hills and outsprinting them is not an option. Plus, all it teaches the dogs is that they need to run a little faster, or approach a little sooner. I'd rather teach them that cyclists can bite back.

You, Sir Robin, are free to "run away". :D

Dogs are not grizzly bears, aardvarks, whales or flower pots. The comparison is invalid.

I'm sure your pepper spray did not inflict pain, the dogs stopped because they were bored.

Assuming that the entire state of Florida is flat is a mistake many uneducated people make. This may not pertain to anyone in this forum, as I have no way of knowing how educated they may be. Assuming Florida is the only place I ride is...well...jumping to conclusions without any basis in fact.


I apologize for being contentious, but only seek to emphasize that use of pepper or other harmful measures should be an absolute last resort to avoid bodily harm. This isn't a topic I'm usually this vehement about, but I've just finished reading a journal at crazyguyonabike.com where a guy quit a tour because he had to spray 3-4 dogs a day over a weeks time. Sometimes it's the dog....sometimes it the rider.

I have carried Halt for about two years, and have used it twice. The first dog actually was snapping at my heel, I could hear his teeth snap together! The second was not quite as threatening, but there was oncoming traffic, and the incident needed to end quickly. In both cases, the dog just ran off quietly, there was no apparent trauma, but it DID quit chasing immediately. They both live on a route that I have ridden many times since, and neither has ever chased me again. One did run up to the road once, but I drew the Halt on him and he turned back and left.

As a dog owner and lover, I believe that pets should be restrained and trained for their own safety. Also, I would never spray a dog unless he came onto the pavement that I'm riding on. Once on the road, he isn't protecting his turf, he's invading mine. In the rural area where I live, we have a saying, " House dog, house dog. Yard dog, yard dog. Road dog,....dead dog." , because any animal that chases cars, trucks, tractors, or bikes on local roads doesn't survive very long. In the absence of its owner training or restraining it, I feel like a little Halt is a good lesson learned.

just my humble opinion..... :)

...had I only known that sooner I'd have one less Purple Heart on my mantle.


Thanks for your service. Wishing us all peaceful bike rides this weekend, and every day.

I apologize for being contentious, but only seek to emphasize that use of pepper or other harmful measures should be an absolute last resort to avoid bodily harm.

You persist in implying that pepper spray is "harmful" and/or inflicts pain...based on my experience, and that reported by others, I reject that assertion.

I can also assure you that as a dog lover myself, I only use it on dogs that are directly threatening me.

In over 10 years of cycling (roughly 40,000 miles), I've only used it about 6 times.

Thanks for your service. Wishing us all peaceful bike rides this weekend, and every day.

Ditto.

Pepper spray is a cause of global warming. Just sayin. :D